At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative data engineering projects in the defence sector and shape enterprise-scale solutions.
- Company: Dynamic defence technology consultancy focused on AI and advanced analytics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £140,000, strong benefits, and flexible UK-wide opportunities.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with clear pathways for growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while driving technological innovation.
- Qualifications: Extensive data engineering experience, expert in Python, SQL, and cloud technologies.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 140000 £ per year.
The UK's defence landscape is changing. AI, advanced analytics and modern data platforms are becoming mission-critical capabilities across government, defence and national security organisations. As demand continues to accelerate, an innovative defence technology consultancy is investing heavily in its data capability and is seeking a Principal Data Engineering Lead to help drive the next phase of growth. This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced data leader who wants to influence both technology strategy and business growth while working at the forefront of AI-enabled defence programmes.
This position sits at the intersection of technical leadership, customer engagement and capability development. You will be responsible for shaping enterprise-scale data solutions, leading technical teams and helping establish a best-in-class data engineering function capable of supporting some of the most complex challenges within the defence sector. You'll work closely with customers, architects, engineers and leadership teams to deliver innovative solutions while helping grow a high-performing engineering practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing technical leadership across major defence and secure government programmes
- Leading the design and implementation of modern data architectures
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior customer stakeholders
- Building and developing engineering teams and technical capability
- Defining engineering standards, delivery approaches and technical roadmaps
- Supporting business growth through thought leadership and industry expertise
- Driving the adoption of emerging technologies, AI and modern data engineering practices
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an established leader with a strong reputation within the defence, national security or government technology space. You should bring:
- Extensive experience delivering and leading Data Engineering programmes
- Expert-level knowledge of Python and SQL
- Strong experience with Databricks, Spark and distributed data processing technologies
- Cloud expertise across AWS, Azure and/or GCP
- Experience using orchestration tools such as Airflow
- A strong understanding of data platform reliability, scalability and governance
- Proven experience influencing technical strategy and customer decision-making
- The ability to lead, mentor and inspire engineering teams
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This organisation is building something genuinely different. You'll join a highly ambitious business where technical excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged and leadership teams actively invest in new ideas and emerging technologies. Rather than inheriting an established practice, you'll play a significant role in shaping its future direction, helping define how data engineering is delivered across a growing portfolio of defence and AI programmes. This role offers genuine influence, visibility and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on both customers and the wider business.
Location & Travel
This is a UK-wide opportunity, and applications are welcomed from experienced professionals across the country. The organisation operates nationally, with teams supporting customers across multiple locations. Travel to client sites will form a regular part of the role depending on programme requirements.
Package
Up to £140,000 base salary, strong benefits package, UK-wide opportunities and flexibility, exposure to cutting-edge Defence, AI and Data programmes, clear pathway for continued growth and leadership responsibility.
If you're a senior data engineering leader looking for a role where you can influence strategy, shape capability and deliver meaningful impact across the UK's defence sector, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.
Principle Data Engineer in Crawley employer: ANSON MCCADE
Join an innovative defence technology consultancy that values technical excellence and fosters a culture of innovation. As a Principal Data Engineering Lead, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of data engineering within the defence sector, working on cutting-edge AI and data programmes while enjoying a strong benefits package and a clear pathway for career growth. This UK-wide role offers flexibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact on national security initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Data Engineer in Crawley
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the defence and data engineering space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Data Engineer role!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with Python, SQL, and any cool projects you've led. Let them see how you can drive innovation and lead teams in the defence sector.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity. Make sure to tailor your discussions to highlight how your expertise aligns with their needs. Talk about your experience with cloud technologies and data architectures, and how you can help shape their data engineering function.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our innovative team in the defence and national security space.
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Data Engineer in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Data Engineer. Highlight your experience with Python, SQL, and any relevant cloud technologies like AWS or Azure. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data engineering in the defence sector. Share specific examples of how you've influenced technical strategy or led successful projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others or driven team success in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and grow their teams!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ANSON MCCADE
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Python, SQL, Databricks, and Spark. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, as well as orchestration tools like Airflow. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can lead teams using these technologies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led data engineering teams and influenced technical strategy in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to mentor and inspire others, which is crucial for this Principal Data Engineer role.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the defence and national security sectors. Be ready to discuss how emerging technologies, AI, and modern data practices can address these challenges. Showing that you understand the landscape will position you as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the company’s vision for data engineering, their approach to adopting new technologies, or how they measure success in their projects. Engaging in a two-way conversation will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
